Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake
If you’re a fan of Elvis Presley, you know he loved his peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Now, imagine transforming that classic flavor combination into a delightful dessert that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. Enter the Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake! This cake is a luscious blend of banana cream, peanut butter, and chocolate, all coming together in one delightful dish. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake is not just about flavor; it’s about convenience and indulgence. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this dessert:
– **Effortless Preparation**: With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can have this cake cooking while you take care of other tasks.
– **Decadent Flavor**: The combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a flavor explosion that is rich and satisfying.
– **Serves a Crowd**: This recipe is perfect for gatherings, making it easy to serve a large number of people.
– **Customizable Toppings**: Serve with whipped cream and fresh banana slices for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
What’s in the Bowl
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this delectable Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake:
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant banana cream pudding mix – This will be the base of our pudding layer, adding rich banana flavor.
- 3 cups cold whole or 2% milk – The milk is essential for preparing the pudding mix.
- 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size) – This will create a soft and moist cake layer.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient that brings the Elvis theme to life.
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips – For extra peanut butter goodness and a sweet crunch.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – Because what’s better than peanut butter and banana? Peanut butter, banana, and chocolate!
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving) – A light topping that balances the richness of the cake.
- Fresh banana slices (optional, for serving) – A fresh touch that adds flavor and visual appeal.
Must-Have Equipment
To make your Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Crock Pot – A slow cooker is essential for this recipe, allowing the cake to steam and cook evenly.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining your ingredients before adding them to the Crock Pot.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer – To ensure your pudding mix and milk are well combined.
- Spatula – For scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and spreading the mixture in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake: How It’s Done
Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to make your Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana cream pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. This should take about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter
Once the pudding is thick, fold in the creamy peanut butter until well incorporated. You want to ensure that there are no lumps of peanut butter remaining.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In another bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. This typically involves adding eggs, oil, and water. Once mixed, gently fold in the peanut butter chips.
Step 4: Layer in the Crock Pot
Spray your Crock Pot with non-stick spray for easy cleanup. Pour half of the cake batter into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, pour the banana pudding mixture over the cake batter, followed by the remaining cake batter on top.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake batter in the Crock Pot, allowing them to sink slightly into the mixture.
Step 6: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. The cake is done when it is set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Serve
Once cooked, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream and fresh banana slices if desired. Enjoy your decadent dessert!
Smart Substitutions
Feeling creative? Here are some substitutions you can make to customize your Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake:
- Nut Butter – Swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer a different flavor.
- Milk Alternatives – Use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice for a dairy-free version.
- Dark Chocolate Chips – Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free Cake Mix – Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
Cook’s Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the cake; check for doneness at the 3-hour mark.
- If you prefer a more pronounced banana flavor, consider adding sliced bananas to the pudding mixture.
- Serve warm for the best experience, but this cake is also delicious at room temperature.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips to your liking!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
The Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – While not ideal, you can freeze the cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Quick Q&A
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors, like vanilla or chocolate, to create your unique take on this dessert.
How do I know when the cake is done cooking?
The cake is done when it is set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It should be moist but not wet.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to use a larger Crock Pot or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
What should I serve with the cake?
Whipped cream and fresh banana slices make excellent toppings, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Weekend Projects
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to try, check out these fantastic links:
- Sally’s Baking Addiction: Classic Banana Bread
- Pinch of Yum: Creamy Banana Pudding
- Minimalist Baker: Vegan Banana Bread
- Love and Lemons: Banana Smoothie
Let’s Eat
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to make your Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake! This dish is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and nostalgia, reminiscent of the King himself. Gather your ingredients, fire up that Crock Pot, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful treat. Whether you enjoy it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or at room temperature with fresh banana slices, each bite will be a delicious reminder of the classic Elvis sandwich in cake form. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana cream pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Once the pudding is thick, fold in the creamy peanut butter until well incorporated. You want to ensure that there are no lumps of peanut butter remaining.
- In another bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. This typically involves adding eggs, oil, and water. Once mixed, gently fold in the peanut butter chips.
- Spray your Crock Pot with non-stick spray for easy cleanup. Pour half of the cake batter into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, pour the banana pudding mixture over the cake batter, followed by the remaining cake batter on top.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake batter in the Crock Pot, allowing them to sink slightly into the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. The cake is done when it is set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once cooked, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream and fresh banana slices if desired. Enjoy your decadent dessert!
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the cake; check for doneness at the 3-hour mark.
- If you prefer a more pronounced banana flavor, consider adding sliced bananas to the pudding mixture.
- Serve warm for the best experience, but this cake is also delicious at room temperature.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips to your liking!
